Affiliated to VTU

Approved by AICTE
Dayananda Sagar Academy of Technology & Management Accredited by NAAC with A+ Grade
(Autonomous Institute under VTU) 6 Programs Accredited by NBA
(CSE, ISE, ECE, EEE, MECH, CV)

Mini Project Report

On

“Development of Minesweeper game”

In
“Introduction to Python Programming (BPLCS201)”

Of

Bachelor of Engineering

In

Information Science and Engineering

Submitted By
Student Name:- Sanjan K L USN:- 1DT24IS119
Student Name:- Shreesha Shetty USN:- 1DT24IS129
Student Name:- Srujan S S USN:- 1DT24IS139

Under the guidance of

Dr. Veena R S
Associate Professor
Department of Information Science and Engineering

Department of Information Science and Engineering

(Accredited by NBA 2022-2025)
2024 – 2025
DAYANANDA SAGAR ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY AND
MANAGEMENT
Department of Information Science and Engineering
Bengaluru – 560082

CERTIFICATE

Certified that the mini project entitled “Development of Minesweeper game” carried out by Sanjan

K L, bearing USN:1DT24IS119, Shreesha Shetty bearing USN:1DT24IS129, Srujan S S bearing

USN:1DT24IS139, bonafide students of Dayananda Sagar Academy of Technology and
Management, in partial fulfillment for the award of the BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING in
Information Science and Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi during
the year 2024-2025.

Dr. Veena R S Dr. Nandini Prasad K S

Associate Professor Dean - Foreign Affairs and HoD
Dept. of ISE, Dept. of ISE,
DSATM, Bengaluru DSATM, Bengaluru
 ABSTRACT

This project focuses on the design and development of a web-based version of the classic puzzle game
Minesweeper, implemented using Python and modern web technologies. Minesweeper is a logic-based
game where the objective is to uncover all safe cells in a grid without triggering hidden mines. To make
the game more user-friendly and engaging, we developed a clean and responsive interface, and
incorporated three difficulty levels—Easy, Medium, and Hard—each differing in grid size and mine
count.

One of the key highlights of the project is the addition of a unique "Cheat Mode" feature, which briefly
displays the locations of all mines for one second when activated. This feature was introduced as an
innovative twist to the traditional game, fulfilling the project requirement of adding something original.
The backend game logic, including grid generation, mine placement, and win/loss detection, is handled
using Python, while Flask is used as the web framework to serve the application. The frontend is
designed using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, enabling smooth interaction and real-time feedback during
gameplay.

The project was an opportunity to apply and strengthen our understanding of programming concepts such
as conditional logic, event handling, web integration, and user interface design. In addition to enhancing
our technical skills, it encouraged creative problem-solving and teamwork. Overall, the Minesweeper
project serves as a strong foundation for building more advanced interactive applications in the future.
 Table of Contents

Chapter No. Contents Page No.

Title Page
Certificate
Declaration

Abstract i

Table of Contents ii
List of Figures iii

Chapter 1 Introduction 1-2

3-5
Chapter 2 Implementation

6-7
Chapter 3 Results & Discussion

8
Conclusion

Future Enhancements 9

References 10
 Development of Minesweeper game

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

In recent times, games like Minesweeper have regained popularity in various online platforms, including
those that promote gambling or betting on game outcomes. Unfortunately, many individuals are drawn into
betting-based versions of Minesweeper, often resulting in financial losses and unhealthy gaming habits. This
inspired us to build a safe, skill-focused version of the classic Minesweeper game that is purely educational
and entertaining—free from addictive or monetary elements.
Problem Statement / Need
The growing trend of turning simple games into gambling platforms has led to a need for alternatives that
offer similar gameplay without harmful consequences. Our project addresses this issue by offering a non-
addictive, web-based Minesweeper game, encouraging players to focus on logic, memory, and analytical
thinking, rather than betting or rewards.
Goal & Objectives
The main goal of this project is to design a skill-enhancing version of Minesweeper using Python, with a
web interface and a creative feature to promote cognitive benefits.
Objectives:
 Recreate the core logic and gameplay of classic Minesweeper
 Build an intuitive and responsive interface using web technologies
 Offer three difficulty levels: Easy, Medium, Hard
 Implement a unique Cheat Mode that briefly reveals mine positions, allowing players to test and
improve memory
 Encourage development of logical reasoning, memory retention, and focus
Project Scope
Included:
 Fully functional Minesweeper game playable in a web browser
 Three difficulty levels with increasing grid size and complexity
 Cheat Mode for 1-second mine reveal, doubling as a memory and observation challenge
 Clean and interactive frontend with Python-Flask backend

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 Development of Minesweeper game

Excluded:
 Gambling, scoring systems based on rewards, or monetary incentives
 Multiplayer functionality or user accounts
 Deployment on public hosting platforms (currently runs locally)
Motivation
The motivation behind this project was to create a positive and safe alternative to addictive gaming
formats. By combining the fun of Minesweeper with educational elements, we aimed to offer a project that
not only demonstrates our technical skills but also contributes to awareness against game-related gambling.
The Cheat Mode, often seen as a shortcut, is repurposed here as a tool for memory improvement—
challenging players to remember mine locations and play strategically. This approach makes the game both
engaging and mentally beneficial.

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 Development of Minesweeper game

CHAPTER 2

IMPLEMENTATION

2.1 Development Process (Key Stages)

The development of the Minesweeper web application was divided into the following key stages:
1. Planning and Game Logic Design
o Understood the rules and mechanics of classic Minesweeper
o Designed pseudocode for grid generation, mine placement, and number assignment
2. Backend Development (Python)
o Implemented logic to create a 2D grid
o Randomly placed mines and calculated adjacent numbers
o Managed game states: ongoing, won, or lost
3. Frontend Design (HTML/CSS/JS)
o Built a clean UI for the grid, buttons, and difficulty selection
o Styled the layout using CSS for responsiveness
4. Web Integration (Flask Framework)
o Connected Python backend with frontend using Flask routes
o Passed game data (mine positions, revealed tiles) between server and client
5. Cheat Mode Implementation
o Added a toggle button that, when clicked, triggers a 1-second reveal of all mine locations
o Used JavaScript’s setTimeout() to hide the mines again
6. Testing and Debugging
o Verified gameplay flow across all difficulty levels
o Fixed bugs in mine revealing, grid refreshing, and cheat mode timing
2.2 Main Functionalities Implemented
 Grid Generation:
Dynamically creates a grid based on difficulty level:

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 Development of Minesweeper game

Python:
def generate_grid(rows, cols, num_mines):
grid = [[0 for _ in range(cols)] for _ in range(rows)]
# Randomly place mines and calculate adjacent numbers
return grid
 Mine Placement Logic:
Randomly places the specified number of mines without overlap
 Tile Click & Reveal:
o Reveals numbers if clicked tile is safe
o Ends game if clicked tile has a mine
 Cheat Mode:
o Shows all mine positions for 1 second
o Temporarily changes mine tile styles using JavaScript:
Javascript:
function activateCheatMode() {
showMines();
setTimeout(hideMines, 1000);
}
 Difficulty Modes:
Mode Grid Size No. of Mines
Easy 9x9 10
Medium 16x16 40
Hard 20x20 80

 Win/Loss Detection:
o Win: All safe tiles uncovered
o Loss: Player clicks on a mine
Development of Minesweeper game
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 Development of Minesweeper game

2.3 Flowcharts

Figure 1: Cell Reveal Logic Flowchart Figure 2: Client-Server Communication Flow in Gameplay

2.4 Difficulties Encountered

 Grid Synchronization:
Managing the state of each tile between the frontend and backend without mismatches.
 Cheat Mode Timing:
Ensuring that the mines are shown for exactly 1 second and then hidden again without affecting the
gameplay state.
 Dynamic Rendering:
Adjusting the grid size and layout for different difficulty levels in a responsive way.
 Game Logic Bugs:
Initial bugs where mines would reappear incorrectly or game state wouldn’t reset properly.

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 Development of Minesweeper game

CHAPTER 3

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1 Final Product Overview

The final product is a fully functional web-based Minesweeper game, built using Python (Flask) for the
backend and HTML/CSS/JavaScript for the frontend. The game runs smoothly in a browser and allows
users to choose between three difficulty levels: Easy, Medium, and Hard. The main highlight is the
inclusion of a Cheat Mode, which reveals mine locations for a brief duration (1 second) to add a unique,
skill-enhancing twist to the game.

The game fulfills the following project objectives:

 ✅ Classic Minesweeper logic implemented correctly

 ✅ Fully interactive and responsive web interface
 ✅ Working difficulty modes with varying grid sizes and mine counts
 ✅ Innovative Cheat Mode functioning as intended
 ✅ Clean integration between frontend and backend using Flask

3.2 Performance

 The game performs well on standard systems and browsers like Chrome and Edge.
 Cheat Mode execution is smooth with accurate 1-second display and automatic reset.
 No lag or UI delay during gameplay, even in Hard mode.
 All revealed tiles update instantly without page reloads (handled via JavaScript and AJAX).

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 Development of Minesweeper game
3.3 Screenshot Evidence

Figure 3: Game board/grid Figure 4: Revealed mine view

3.4 Comparison to Existing Solutions

Feature Our Version Existing Online Versions

Mine Reveal Logic Implemented accurately Implemented

Difficulty Modes 3 levels Usually available

Cheat Mode (New) ✅ Present ❌ Not available in most games

Memory/Skill Building ✅ Intended ❌ Not a focus

Gambling-Free Gameplay ✅ Yes ❌ Often includes betting systems

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 Development of Minesweeper game

CONCLUSION

The development of this web-based Minesweeper game has been a valuable and enriching experience. It
allowed us to go beyond theoretical learning and apply core programming concepts in a practical, engaging,
and user-focused application. By using Python with Flask for backend development and
HTML/CSS/JavaScript for the frontend, we successfully built a fully functional game that runs smoothly in
a browser.

A key feature that distinguishes our version from traditional Minesweeper games is the Cheat Mode,
which briefly reveals all mine positions. This was introduced not as a shortcut, but as a tool to improve
memory, observation, and logical thinking skills, offering a meaningful alternative to betting-based versions
of the game.

The project fulfilled its intended goals:

 To build a logic-based game with clear educational and entertainment value

 To provide an engaging way to promote skill development through gameplay
 To address the issue of addiction in betting-based Minesweeper platforms by offering a non-
addictive, skill-oriented alternative

We also gained hands-on experience in:

 Game logic design

 Web development and integration
 Debugging and performance testing
 Creative thinking through feature enhancement

This project has laid a strong foundation for exploring more advanced full-stack applications and has
encouraged us to think about how software can be used for both fun and positive impact.

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 Development of Minesweeper game

FUTURE ENHANCEMENT
While the current version of the Minesweeper game meets the core objectives, there are several areas where
the project can be expanded and improved in the future. These enhancements can further increase the game's
usability, educational value, and overall user experience.

1. Online Hosting

 Deploy the game on a public hosting platform such as Heroku, Render, or GitHub Pages (with
backend support).
 This would make the game accessible to a wider audience without requiring local setup.

2. Scoring and Timer System

 Introduce a timer to track how long users take to complete a game.

 Implement a score calculation system based on time, difficulty, and accuracy.

3. Leaderboard

 Add a global or local leaderboard to allow users to compare their performance.

 Encourage healthy competition and replayability.

4. User Login and Profiles

 Create a simple user authentication system so players can save their scores and track progress over
time.

5. Mobile Responsiveness

 Optimize the UI to work smoothly on mobile and tablet devices.

 Ensure that all grid sizes render well on smaller screens.

6. Enhanced Cheat Mode (Memory Training Mode)

Convert Cheat Mode into a more structured Memory Training Mode with increasing levels of difficulty.

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 Development of Minesweeper game

REFERENCES

1. Books

[1] Eric Matthes, Python Crash Course: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming, 2nd
ed. San Francisco, CA: No Starch Press, 2019.

2. Journal Articles

[2] R. Severance, "Flask (A Python Microframework)," IEEE Potentials, vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 39–42, Jan.–
Feb. 2019. doi: 10.1109/MPOT.2018.2877096.

3. Conference Papers
[3] M. Brown, "Building Games with Python: Logic and Design Tips," in Proceedings of the Python
Developers Conference, Bengaluru, India, 2021, pp. 112–118.

4. Websites

[4] P. Eckersley, "Minesweeper Algorithms and Probability Strategies," Game Dev Blog. [Online].
Available: https://www.gamedevelopment.blog/minesweeper-strategy/. [Accessed: Jun. 12, 2025].

[5] The Flask Project, "Flask Documentation," Flask.palletsprojects.com. [Online]. Available:

https://flask.palletsprojects.com/en/2.2.x/. [Accessed: Jun. 11, 2025].

[6] Mozilla Developers, "HTML DOM Reference," MDN Web Docs. [Online]. Available:
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/Document_Object_Model. [Accessed: Jun. 10, 2025].

[7] W3Schools, "JavaScript setTimeout() Method," W3Schools.com. [Online]. Available:

https://www.w3schools.com/jsref/met_win_settimeout.asp. [Accessed: Jun. 10, 2025].

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